Kalimpong, Oct. 11: Prayash Biswakarma, a young violinist from the hill town, has won the Siliguri leg of the Global Youth Music competition, an achievement that takes him a step closer to the final meet in Sydney.

The 11-year-old was adjudged the winner from among 22 participants from Siliguri, Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Gangtok at the event organised by the Lions International where he played Vivaldi’s Spring and Summer.

Being the winner, Prayash will now get an opportunity to participate in the Calcutta leg of the competition.

Ankita Saha from Siliguri bagged the second prize while Ankit Rai from Kalimpong secured the third place.

“After the programme, one of the judges told me that I have the talent to make it to Sydney. He advised me to work very hard and said he would provide me with new pieces to practice,” said Prayash.

Prayash said most of the participants played popular Hindi songs and Indian classical pieces. “I played Vivaldi’s Spring in the first round and his Summer in the second and final round,” said the Class VI student of Dr Graham’s Homes. Prayash’s mentor is his father, Rudra Biswakarma, who teaches violin at Gandhi Ashram.

Prayash is a former student of the school. He was offered admission to Dr. Graham’s Homes for his musical talent. Since his first performance at the age of three-and-a-half, Prayash has been playing in different parts of the country. Last year, he practiced with the Calcutta Chamber Orchestra.

The winner of the Calcutta leg of the Global Youth Music meet will participate at the national level in Hyderabad. The victor from Hyderabad will compete with musicians from all over the world at the final in Sydney next year.